BY: ANGELICA ARQUERO
At 4 in the morning, Jane begins preparing for work in Metro Manila.
She says it has become her routine to avoid the heavy traffic, especially along EDSA.
“If work hours start earlier, you can go home earlier. Otherwise, if you start late, you’ll be caught in rush hour and still get home late. You’ll still have to commute, and if you live far away, you’ll only be home by 7 in the evening,” said Jane, a cashier.
That’s why she welcomes MMDA’s proposed work schedule adjustment for government employees, saying it could alleviate Metro Manila’s traffic problems.
Deny, another commuter, agrees, saying heavy traffic often makes commuting unbearable for his wife.
“For me, changing work hours is better because employees, especially fathers, would have more time for their families,” said Deny.
MMDA plans to shift the current 8 AM–5 PM schedule to 7 AM–4 PM, expecting it to significantly ease congestion on internal roads.
According to Atty. Don Artes, MMDA Chairman, “Most employees and clients of city halls are within city limits, so traffic relief is limited to internal roads. But if all national government agencies adopt the 7-to-4 schedule, the benefits will be widely felt.”
The proposal has gained support from San Juan City Mayor Francisco Zamora and Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano.
Mayor Francisco Zamora, San Juan City, stated, “There’s already a traditional rush hour during morning and evening commutes.”
Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, Pasay City, mentioned, “We still have a few employees working after 4 PM.”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the proposal is still under review, “We’re studying it. If it works, we’ll do it. It’s not enough to consult traffic enforcers and administrators. We also need to consider the commuting public. If everyone agrees, I don’t see why it should be a problem.”
The heavy traffic issue is also felt in Baguio City. However, office staff member Liberty says the 7 AM schedule might not work there.
“In Baguio, the climate is different, it’s cold. It’s hard to get up at 5 AM, especially for those living far away,” said Liberty, Office Staff.
Chairman Artes added that while some LGUs have implemented earlier work hours, government agencies have yet to follow suit.
MMDA plans to meet with other Metro Manila LGUs and government agencies before formally recommending the plan to the President.
